Zayn Malik reveals why he left One Direction: ‘I can’t do that anymore’

In this Nov. 13, 2012 file photo, One Direction member Zayn Malik performs on NBC's "Today" show in New York.
Charles Sykes
Associated Press

In this Nov. 13, 2012 file photo, One Direction member Zayn Malik performs on NBC's "Today" show in New York.
Charles Sykes
Associated Press

Zayn Malik has broken his silence, telling the British newspaper, The Sun, that he feels “like I’m doing what’s right” by leaving One Direction. He also confirms that he’s working on his solo debut.

So much for wanting to be “a normal 22-year-old,” as he said in announcing his departure this week.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun’s Dan Wooton, Malik says that his decision to quit was “crazy and wild and a bit mad. But at the same time I’ve never felt more in control in my life. I feel like I'm doing what's right – right by myself and right by the boys, so I feel good.”

He denied rumors of a rift with former fellow band members Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Liam Payne. He was vague when asked if he might one day return to the group.

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“My band has been really supportive. They've been cool about it. And they understand that, you know, it's not real to me anymore,” he said.

He said he wasn’t happy singing with the band anymore but kept at it “for the sake of maybe other's people's happiness. And that was mainly the fans. I only ever tried to do it for the fans. I'm only upset (because) I feel like I may have let them down in some sort of way.

“That's the main thing that I don't want to happen. It's not that I've turned my back on them or anything. It's just that I can't do that anymore because it's not real to me.”

Fans who haven’t completely turned their backs on him out of anger will be happy to hear that Malik already has a new direction – he’s currently working on his solo debut in a London recording studio.